How do I remove the chassis from the portable suitcase style radio? It appears I have to take the knobs off first, and the chassis may slide out the back, but I don't know a "graceful" way of removing the knobs.

If photos will help, there is an identical model for sale on ebay right now, (I don't have a digital camera)

If the knobs are not held on with set screws, but are instead simply push-on knobs held on by friction, then sometimes it is necessary to use a screw driver to pry them off. Before attempting with a screw driver, use the tips of your fingers at the three and nine o'clock positions. Use a firm force. Your fingers will not likely damage the knobs. Sometimes it takes a great force to get the knobs off. Gently squishing the split shafts of the controls after the knobs have been removed for the first time will reduce the amount of stress required later. Use a pliers to gently compress the shafts a bit.

If you cannot get the knobs off by hand, use a screw driver with a thin block of wood behind the prying surface so that you will not mar the finish of the radio. Be gentle so as to not break the knobs. If possible, use two screw drivers with even pressure just like when using your fingers.

Most of the Zenith portables I have acquired have had difficult to remove knobs. Perhaps Motorolas are the same. Bakelite is very brittle, but Lucite knobs are even worse. This plastic is both soft and yet brittle. Sometimes with age it will crumble. It likes to deform and discolor, especially when subjected to finger oils. Be careful with Lucite knobs. Bakelite is not affected by most chemicals or heat or anything, but is still brittle (acetone and certain other strong chemicals may give it a haze, which can usually be polished out). Bakelite will, of course, char if exposed to a flame.

Thomas

Thanks for the info.

It did appear that I could pinch the shafts, but I wanted to be certain before I took pliers to it.

Well pinch the shafts after you get the knobs off, not before--unless there is a way to pinch them from behind.